Jay-Z in 8
Rick Rubin sits down with JAŸ-Z to discuss his music, lyrics, life experiences, and creative process. HBO Documentary Films presents, a Tetragrammaton production, JAŸ-Z IN 8. Directed by Rick Rubin; executive producers, Shawn Carter, Daniel Kaluuya, and Rick Rubin; producers, Leila Mattimore and David Rohde.
- 2026-2026
- 1 season
- HBO Max
- Documentary, Music
- TV-MA
Rick Rubin sits down with JAŸ-Z to discuss his music, lyrics, life experiences, and creative process. HBO Documentary Films presents, a Tetragrammaton production, JAŸ-Z IN 8. Directed by Rick Rubin; executive producers, Shawn Carter, Daniel Kaluuya, and Rick Rubin; producers, Leila Mattimore and David Rohde.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2026
Episode 1
Chapter 1
Fri, Sep 18, 2026 42 mins
Rapper JAY-Z delves into how his childhood in Brooklyn and teenage years in New Jersey impacted his early creative process.
Episode 2
Chapter 2
Fri, Sep 18, 2026 37 mins
JAY-Z discusses the pitfalls of early fame, the East Coast-West Coast rap beef, and his relationships with The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac.
Episode 3
Episode #1.3
Fri, Sep 25, 2026
Through song analysis, Rubin explores JAY-Z's storytelling techniques. JAY-Z opens up about the personal struggles he faced while recording his thirteenth studio album.
Episode 4
Episode #1.4
Fri, Sep 25, 2026
JAY-Z explores his teenage reconciliation with his father and reveals how his retirement plans shaped "The Black Album" through five pivotal songs from his catalog.
Episode 5
Episode #1.5
Fri, Oct 2, 2026
While discussing several tracks, JAY-Z reflects on paving the way for others, allowing multiple interpretations of his work, and acknowledging how celebrity has affected his life.
Episode 6
Episode #1.6
Fri, Oct 2, 2026
Through several tracks, JAY-Z and Rubin discuss the music industry's politics and life as an artist after "The Black Album."
Episode 7
Episode #1.7
Fri, Oct 9, 2026
After decades in music, Jay-Z reflects on collaborating with friends and major artists, finding comfort through spirituality and therapy, and pushing himself creatively in the studio.
Episode 8
Episode #1.8
Fri, Oct 9, 2026
JAY-Z reflects on his role as an artist confronting racism and inequality, citing songs like "New York (Concept de Paris)," "The Story of O.J.," "No Church in the Wild," "Family Feud," and "Legacy."